tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81302768366960156732024-03-14T08:49:45.433-05:00Touch of GreySugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-43443023112112801732014-01-04T22:19:00.002-06:002014-01-04T22:19:39.483-06:00Luv Ya Wade<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Wade Phillips is now out as Defensive Coordinator and Interim Head Coach for the Houston Texans.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Way to go, B.O.B. Make sure you bring in all your yankee cronies, including Romeo. You're sure to endear yourself to Houstonians this way (*snark*).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Yeah. If you're not a native Texan and Houstonian, you wouldn't understand.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">And, no, THIS is not how wars are won. This is how they are started.</span><br />
Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-38700209665619741972013-10-20T05:49:00.002-05:002013-10-20T06:40:58.087-05:00Luv Ya Bum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5PqGR0Jl6FdAZRl41-9GvGaVUKN1PH0YwuNv7UNCeuSFr8h8PRLlvY-jb5TpeDImwU_ta-DK2XEFDuv7qvM73IXeXtmrTCC4ViQYkAW5oR4eHO_mzbDPOmBGrfrkvJBhM6b1v9ebUeY/s1600/Bum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5PqGR0Jl6FdAZRl41-9GvGaVUKN1PH0YwuNv7UNCeuSFr8h8PRLlvY-jb5TpeDImwU_ta-DK2XEFDuv7qvM73IXeXtmrTCC4ViQYkAW5oR4eHO_mzbDPOmBGrfrkvJBhM6b1v9ebUeY/s400/Bum.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">A true giant has left us. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Oail Andrew "Bum" Phillips has passed away at the age of 90. I suppose it would be selfish to ask to have him on this Earth for another 90 years; after all, his work is done, he gave us all that he had, and he deserves to reap his reward. Because that's the man he was.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">But what a loss for the rest of us mere mortals.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S20qvvDGBt0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">An incredible coach, an honorable man, and a major part of my sweetest childhood memories, Bum certainly left his mark in our hearts and in our lives. The legendary years he coached the Oilers were the most thrilling and exciting years for this chick and her Daddy-O. Like every Houstonian in the late 1970s, we caught Oiler fever. What a ride! Bum made us all believers that we were "gonna kick that sumbitch in", and by golly, we came closer than we ever had before or since.
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O5tmSe2j_qc" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Those were truly the glory days for my beloved city, and a special bonding time between my father and me. The Earl Campbell jerseys we wore, the ceramic figurines we painted that sold like hotcakes, the days spent glued to the television, or, when we were lucky enough, to our seats at the Astrodome, the heartbreak we endured when we came close, OH SO CLOSE, but lost our Superbowl dreams in a most brutal way. And yet, there was Bum, <em>apologizing</em> for letting us down. The love of the fans and the roar of the crowd upon their return to the Dome after that dismal game immediately corrected (I hope) his mistaken idea that Houston did not appreciate his and the Oilers' efforts that year. He took the burden of the loss upon his significant shoulders, because that's the man that he was.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NsjXko9N6B0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">But we had just been taken on the ride of our lives, and of course the defeat stung, but <em>we were proud</em>. So VERY proud of Bum and our "boys" that there was not a single seat empty in the Astrodome that day to welcome our heroes back home. We were determined to show our love, support, and gratitude, and Bum was moved to tears. Because that's the man he was. And because the Oilers weren't just "Texas' team", they were OUR team.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq7kuQvcVsIAgD76PvkVhUgQj-EqF8Y03iaOBaTzgLFPMR9FcSL9OSZLi4FL6n0h94TekkvPMcHubIIdXDLSaRXmKl5RybST-jqgAwZzpBjU0c19ewCSwm4BeHdqt4QemJnvjhLBS7_k/s1600/bumearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq7kuQvcVsIAgD76PvkVhUgQj-EqF8Y03iaOBaTzgLFPMR9FcSL9OSZLi4FL6n0h94TekkvPMcHubIIdXDLSaRXmKl5RybST-jqgAwZzpBjU0c19ewCSwm4BeHdqt4QemJnvjhLBS7_k/s640/bumearl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cbm_Lk-pCbI" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RHJ8RyMQiQ8" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Pastorini, Campbell, Stabler, Bethea. Of course, these were talented players, all. But with Bum at the helm, the Oilers became even more than the sum of their parts. They became a collective legend.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">I will watch the Texans game today, as usual. I will thank the powers that be that we have on board Bum's wonderful son, Wade Phillips, as Texans defensive coordinator. The acorn does not fall far from the tree, much to our good fortune. But somehow I know there will never be another Oilers, another team to rival our "Luv Ya Blue" family, another 1978-1980 streak, and there will absolutely never be another Bum. His shoes are not hard to fill; they are <em>impossible</em> to fill. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">For those wishing to honor Bum Phillips, there are two important things you can do: if you are a resident of Harris County, PLEASE vote in favor of the <a href="http://impactnews.com/houston-metro/cy-fair/astrodome-renovation-proposal-to-be-placed-on-november-ballo_1/">Astrodome</a> Bond Proposal </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">on November 5, 2013. It would be the ultimate tribute to Bum, the Oilers, the citizens of Houston, and the state of Texas to restore the Astrodome for all the world to enjoy. Also, you may contribute to Bum Phillips <a href="https://www.bumphillipscharities.com/">Charities</a> , a beloved endeavor created to make the world a better place by Bum and his dear wife, Debbie.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Rest in peace, dear Bum, and thank you so much for bringing unparalleled joy to this gal. You will be missed more than you could ever know.</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-84298305085511769812013-08-11T21:57:00.001-05:002013-08-11T22:08:22.758-05:00Thursday<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">YES. She said, it will be Thursday. Emeralds and sunflowers. The color of the sea and the sun. And the essence of the Earth.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">For you are Thursday's Child. I will love you Thursday and Forever. And After Forever. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Do our worlds clash? </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">YES. She replied, of course.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><br />All the much better to create a new world.<br />
<br />
Only for you I don't regret.<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OvFWWa0c1aY" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/X9ldb4r7vP0" width="640"></iframe><br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-10142098611395477762013-07-31T18:38:00.001-05:002013-07-31T18:38:40.611-05:00Amble On, Old Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gMnPvPPR7ldhVvt_ol2OmoTNDAGOC6227Z5dHHJj0UlFRyzzTN9On7Qf2V549SEtPSEukLZSHAVfUsa6k48H65-VxJDyD4M_7lo47HVuX5gvnnUZikrkNAV1YMq6_eZvWEn-WPL6NUk/s1600/rusty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gMnPvPPR7ldhVvt_ol2OmoTNDAGOC6227Z5dHHJj0UlFRyzzTN9On7Qf2V549SEtPSEukLZSHAVfUsa6k48H65-VxJDyD4M_7lo47HVuX5gvnnUZikrkNAV1YMq6_eZvWEn-WPL6NUk/s320/rusty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Just found out today that an old blogging friend has gone on to amble along greener paths than those he found on this blue marble and at the local paper.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Daryl "Abe" Cochran, aka Old Rusty Bucket, aka Amblin' Abe, passed away this past Sunday. He was one of the "original" bloggers for the local rag, the Victoria Advocate, along with the Grey-Beard Loon and Pilot. Those three, in my day, formed a sort of "holy trinity" and I like to think that they gave a little class to a fledgling online version of an old and storied newspaper. Sadly, over the years, nearly all the early bloggers for that publication, including CJ Castillo, Tim Oi, Amber Bee, Natasha Verma, and others removed themselves from the ever-increasing lowered journalistic standards practiced by the VicAd, and most went off to form their own blogs on alternative sites. Some of us kept in touch through the years, and some not so much. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Abe (or as most called him, Rusty) wrote some down-to-Earth, humorous stuff that always had a gleam of truth to boot. His frankness sometimes offended those sensitive types, but he was never afraid to say what was on his mind. His riding mower adventures are legendary; well, at least in my mind they are. His mishaps quite reminded me of my dad at times. His "Amblin' Abe" outdoor column, always interesting and intelligently written, was deemed unnecessary by the "new guard" at the Victoria Advocate and he was summarily discharged so that more room could be devoted to unwed mamas and their baby daddies; the latest liberal whinefests; fascinating facts on the local celebrity, "Pepper"; facetious "Pro/Con" articles concerning the most asinine and ridiculous topics ever placed in print; and ALL the typographical, grammatical, and factual errors one publication could possibly hold.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">After the departure of such journalistic maestros including Abe, Grey-Beard Loon, and Henry Wolf, the VicAd began its long downward spiral that continues to this day. The depression and sadness this caused for many especially affected my old friend Rusty and, I contend, played no small role in his last days. The demise of the VicAd was a common topic of conversation between us, as well as Grey-Beard Loon and Pilot, and while I know that my friends and I would not have done things any other way, we still mourn the loss of a once fine publication with high journalistic standards and the huge hole created by the absence of such amazing writers once employed at the stately building at 311 E. Constitution.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Which is a long-winded way of saying, "Goodbye, my old Amblin' friend. You are not forgotten". A kind, bright, witty, and generous soul has departed, and the loss is felt. Too bad it won't be recognized by the local rag. How quickly they do forget.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Amble on, Rusty. And Godspeed.</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-22199940647503459312013-07-14T10:01:00.000-05:002013-07-14T10:02:21.394-05:00What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">Yes, indeedy, I've been away for sometime. Really, in the same spot I've always been, but wanderlust of the heart and the love of my life has had me sidetracked for some time now. Now that my feet are once again on terra firma, production of a lucid blog is possible. Yeah, I've missed doing this, and <em>that man</em> in my life is still around. But a year gone and so many changes in the last months in my life led to a sabbatical of sorts in my online life. The whirlwind of twists and turns have led to some interesting developments, and my back pages are now my future rainbow to travel. How lucky a chick am I? </span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">Life is good. Just wanted to share that, and a song or two with all of you. Enjoy the day. Seize your opportunities. And maybe you'll find gold at the end of your rainbow.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QuyaK0hGxWk" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OZwncQfvaKk" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5hyhrvrLCoQ" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">And that brings me to a sweet anniversary present for my Big Daddy. Some things are just meant to be, baby. You are my pot of gold, always and forever.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/COiIC3A0ROM" width="640"></iframe><br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-8557608345614395672013-02-01T07:11:00.002-06:002013-02-01T10:27:14.020-06:00I've Seen the Future...<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">I can't afford it! </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">So let's talk about that thing on EVERYONE'S minds....MONEY.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Such a simple thing. Just five letters, a mundane definition, just a few denominations, a common item present in all cultures. It's a straightforward matter...until it isn't. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">With a feeling that the hard times as a nation, and a world, are just about to get even harder, I offer you the only solace I can - music. Hell, if you can still afford the internet connection, then at least you can smile through the pain with help of these tunes. Wish I could give you more, but...I've seen the future. I can't afford it. Tell you the truth, someone just bought it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LJomz2z1he4" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sJCIM8hQczY" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7n7yUYVkeGE" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jIfu2A0ezq0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sNQW-63OuE4" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PyeWRd7ZEBs" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Oh - and did I mention your taxes are going up? </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Have a nice day? </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NDgbvzWwveG23XT9hlFf-Zj7beSXlFs8aBTjMGV7rHX0lonbqeZKu6i-dxg3NSl01IYAZEnkmax7zwzoCKS05FwVao5bfuOqBOBMpNA6AT_qDRKvGbr0fkIdskSHPByRTEMPHxL74_s/s1600/smiley+face.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NDgbvzWwveG23XT9hlFf-Zj7beSXlFs8aBTjMGV7rHX0lonbqeZKu6i-dxg3NSl01IYAZEnkmax7zwzoCKS05FwVao5bfuOqBOBMpNA6AT_qDRKvGbr0fkIdskSHPByRTEMPHxL74_s/s200/smiley+face.png" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CzLe8R1bL4c" width="640"></iframe>
Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-68633250751594259192012-11-16T17:46:00.002-06:002012-11-16T17:46:55.361-06:00Ah, I Get It Now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu8z2puJOI1DpCt-F8HJzmmfTDTQ0SSkBxrcoEGJ41i4acwe9ZThqaPQKgtveqiVVmjm1tBz3U1DD34ovTx2hfJG4GF_xMuCJsuwvOp9Pqr5D5yhqH5aQ0vdUSFJnn11Bj60Ivit3bIM/s1600/orangecate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu8z2puJOI1DpCt-F8HJzmmfTDTQ0SSkBxrcoEGJ41i4acwe9ZThqaPQKgtveqiVVmjm1tBz3U1DD34ovTx2hfJG4GF_xMuCJsuwvOp9Pqr5D5yhqH5aQ0vdUSFJnn11Bj60Ivit3bIM/s640/orangecate.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-39875061059377624002012-10-31T18:31:00.000-05:002012-10-31T18:31:02.833-05:00Watch Out for that Hairy-Handed Gent Who Ran Amuck in Kent<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERpFXICvVSsc91pXurIrW8srL_Ad01yrXq8PxqxFAaLQ13or8HsyokJO6N9dzGNYGQmpPdhh0pO79nYOTnUegv_r8Fjg9XefxrpoEUoJbAO28-FHbDIEX0Ds6hetAfz-nmPev76gElK4/s1600-h/Warren-Zevon-rh03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398351144380651746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERpFXICvVSsc91pXurIrW8srL_Ad01yrXq8PxqxFAaLQ13or8HsyokJO6N9dzGNYGQmpPdhh0pO79nYOTnUegv_r8Fjg9XefxrpoEUoJbAO28-FHbDIEX0Ds6hetAfz-nmPev76gElK4/s320/Warren-Zevon-rh03.jpg" style="float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 226px;" /></a><br />
<div>
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair....Happy Halloween, yall! This, I admit, is a repeat of a blog I wrote a couple of years ago. But, as I say here, Halloween will always belong to Warren Zevon, and this Halloween is no exception. I hope your Halloween brings you lots of treats and a few tricks, if you truly want them! Along with costumes, parties, goodies, and just plain scary fun, Halloween has always meant music to me. Everyone knows and enjoys "Monster Mash" and "Haunted House". But to me, the quintessential Halloween song has to be "Werewolves of London", from his 1978 album <em>Excitable Boy</em>.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1MRu8N2K0NY" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
This song is by far his most popular, although by no means, only recording. Warren Zevon was an amazingly talented artist who, sadly, never achieved the fame so many of his peers did. For me, Halloween will always be bittersweet. It is my favorite day of the year, as it is also in the middle of my favorite season of the year. However, because it is impossible to escape Zevon's "Werewolves of London" this time of year (not that I would want to), it is also a reminder to me of a life cut too short.<br />
<br />
You see, Warren Zevon died of mesothelioma, a particularly deadly form of lung cancer in 2003, not even a year after he was diagnosed. He was only 56 years old. I believe he still had much music left in him, as his last album released just before he died, The Wind, proves. From <em>The Wind</em> came his last and my favorite song by him, "Keep Me In Your Heart".<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RMTKb-pgxGI" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
This song is simply lovely, a stunningly heartbreaking performance, and a contrast with his darker, more "excitable" music. Every time I hear it, I remember that the world has lost a great artist and feel slightly melancholy. I loved this song from the very first moment I heard it, and it affects me on the deepest level. It is astounding to me that in essence, Zevon wrote his own epitaph with this incredible melody.<br />
<br />
Take a moment to celebrate Halloween and Zevon's life by watching these great YouTube vids I have linked. Also included is a great live performance of "Splendid Isolation," a song I have long admired from his 1989 album, <em>Transverse City</em>. To me, Halloween will always belong to Warren Zevon. Keep him in your heart for awhile, won't you?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HSpjCZTy7Hs" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-30513839993433770632012-10-24T14:27:00.000-05:002012-10-24T14:27:43.745-05:00Boo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO4QcKsOBfMzFdLpHOerllCCw4IZKomGXsMj6g2PGU-E44CTR9Pna1fRIwNsmeJ_wfGUFMMIgdNL1R1I8eFzl5cyb-KRxEypYjz9NqgHGSgt7jBVI-e5yJJRFU7EKbnHYZQxkE27npL0/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO4QcKsOBfMzFdLpHOerllCCw4IZKomGXsMj6g2PGU-E44CTR9Pna1fRIwNsmeJ_wfGUFMMIgdNL1R1I8eFzl5cyb-KRxEypYjz9NqgHGSgt7jBVI-e5yJJRFU7EKbnHYZQxkE27npL0/s640/scan0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">I just love Halloween!</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0thH3qnHTbI" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">So what are YOUR plans this Halloween? Are you having your own "Monster Mash"?</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Whatever you're going to be up to, be safe out there, kiddies, and if you cross paths with a certain - er - furry creature, tall man with bolts in his neck, or a debonair chap with fangs, well....consider yourself one of the lucky ones!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-88745124544494873392012-10-09T17:31:00.000-05:002012-10-09T17:36:03.355-05:00You Gave Him Power in Your God's Name<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: x-large;">Take it back, America!</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg5xh9wKpeqrZ4gcABRaW5wkj4dww1QansLIrM7Qft8kRTe8Kta2Qsff57KnIWcNWe9sLPbE0d-_i2j3q3xjuhsn_8JN4JpQmTzJcaukn5uv5RWu2iMDFdjzJkJnDdOMdiATEB2iUqec/s1600/socialismpoverty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg5xh9wKpeqrZ4gcABRaW5wkj4dww1QansLIrM7Qft8kRTe8Kta2Qsff57KnIWcNWe9sLPbE0d-_i2j3q3xjuhsn_8JN4JpQmTzJcaukn5uv5RWu2iMDFdjzJkJnDdOMdiATEB2iUqec/s640/socialismpoverty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7xxgRUyzgs0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: x-large;">Only you can set you free!</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fxLNqhT9dJfhXOGbTwx9123qVZTUcPmUFlPMvPiSoa20kTJxbxJtYy3nYfSOLDCioWlAhK_mplWLORQ1bD6BAG3j4TF1fCU7cSpLlxkr2sgfManpUcVBlRHnEd68OIKxKKxk2GwuB2o/s1600/obama_2012_ahmedinejad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fxLNqhT9dJfhXOGbTwx9123qVZTUcPmUFlPMvPiSoa20kTJxbxJtYy3nYfSOLDCioWlAhK_mplWLORQ1bD6BAG3j4TF1fCU7cSpLlxkr2sgfManpUcVBlRHnEd68OIKxKKxk2GwuB2o/s640/obama_2012_ahmedinejad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: x-large;">The choice is yours, America!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Romney/Ryan 2012!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrJIUFHGFHsZO9PUDeGMh7jcMnBe4gSDQHmCTjJCBhf59Id2j5Z9eFiJhevc5QbfgkCzlmXbtwoKvXK0tuB56fPgIy3UB6L2af7UeNpa4Y8paUoT80PzKwYQkF9sX5CEmXOMeju6c_4/s1600/romney+ryan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrJIUFHGFHsZO9PUDeGMh7jcMnBe4gSDQHmCTjJCBhf59Id2j5Z9eFiJhevc5QbfgkCzlmXbtwoKvXK0tuB56fPgIy3UB6L2af7UeNpa4Y8paUoT80PzKwYQkF9sX5CEmXOMeju6c_4/s640/romney+ryan.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-49833958148061978202012-10-02T05:49:00.002-05:002012-10-02T05:49:24.634-05:00Good Morning!<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">And welcome to my world!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljJB83fLYDiHWw2tuj4rxOVM722GY6EYwU61IQRQYiGmcVaFCXXyosqgdr4UXppVnspOTrjDNn4DlptIUdHSey8Pg7AhRGQfWsbg81Bo_uNyHSzYXT2AuTGale9RM1vHg-gh965yWDzg/s1600/heart+spock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljJB83fLYDiHWw2tuj4rxOVM722GY6EYwU61IQRQYiGmcVaFCXXyosqgdr4UXppVnspOTrjDNn4DlptIUdHSey8Pg7AhRGQfWsbg81Bo_uNyHSzYXT2AuTGale9RM1vHg-gh965yWDzg/s640/heart+spock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-67456302740842728062012-09-23T18:39:00.001-05:002012-09-23T18:39:43.255-05:00Still...and Always<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_8VHHcd0M_o" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X_PqU_wxKP0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kzykvrfbq-E" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BfqD9z6k6Ns" width="640"></iframe><br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-60810144424428810102012-09-17T10:50:00.002-05:002012-09-17T10:50:34.192-05:00For My Ladies<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">It's a girl thing. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Martha, Mildred, Debbie, Brandy. Virginia, Bridget, Beverly, Carla. Cheryl, Lori, Erna, Freda. Valerie, Maria, Vicky, Jeannie.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">You are all worthy. You are all loved. And you are all good.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QMZReI2QrlQ" width="640"></iframe><br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-8275098139214340652012-09-07T18:20:00.000-05:002012-09-07T18:20:55.710-05:00Now This Is Just Cute<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLytN3o-jDFdZYjZbHEjCONXjK6ZEwo6eFAvQEIO9O23aOs-a58R_EIDB-pjM-P1WyQJnrBnPthFWLyDcV1hZ3NyIQpDO-8s2sPuvMDJ19C7Bi_HNp01Z4gm6cbzHclE03Td_0GktBGo/s1600/orange.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLytN3o-jDFdZYjZbHEjCONXjK6ZEwo6eFAvQEIO9O23aOs-a58R_EIDB-pjM-P1WyQJnrBnPthFWLyDcV1hZ3NyIQpDO-8s2sPuvMDJ19C7Bi_HNp01Z4gm6cbzHclE03Td_0GktBGo/s640/orange.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-4295896577239487012012-09-02T19:48:00.000-05:002012-09-02T19:48:44.111-05:00Call It Divine Intervention
<span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-large;">A good time is guaranteed when this song plays. Seems someone read my mind last night....</span>
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zNz6YNqacjw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-90049073122183367092012-08-23T17:23:00.001-05:002012-08-23T17:23:25.776-05:00We Are Losing the War<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRZgxAm-fwLEhxfonWCDuOBYQ_iGm_TVoBBU2qMfec6EP7k1FsDFIGBZCeYgwP261DkZRUmBQj3ZNrSqG3R60LmHnjoja_iZTep18b7vcTVW2RP1XClFALj-3mst1oahN23QXNxm3a2k/s1600/betalactamase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRZgxAm-fwLEhxfonWCDuOBYQ_iGm_TVoBBU2qMfec6EP7k1FsDFIGBZCeYgwP261DkZRUmBQj3ZNrSqG3R60LmHnjoja_iZTep18b7vcTVW2RP1XClFALj-3mst1oahN23QXNxm3a2k/s640/betalactamase.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nefarious action of a Beta-lactamase upon penicillin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-large;">Evolution is a bitch. Seriously. We humans think we really are evolved, what with our opposable thumbs, large skulls, and I-Pod inventing brains. But in truth, we are losing the race to lowly single-celled organisms that are rapidly developing ways to circumvent our best attempts at eradication. Bacteria - yes, bacteria - that ubiquitous life form that is scattered all over our planet - and within ourselves - are continuing to prove that our best efforts at controlling our environment always come to naught. For every "wonder" antibiotic we invent, the bacteria quickly figures a way around it, actually changing its own DNA in order to produce certain enzymes, the most basic of which are termed Beta-lactamases, to virtually cleave Beta-lactam rings (the working part of many antibiotics), thereby rendering them completely ineffective. Make no mistake about it. This is not adaptation. THIS is evolution.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-large;">In <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/govt-gene-sleuths-stop-superbug-killed-6-182417640.html">this</a> article, one may witness one small skirmish humans have won over KPC, a particularly nasty feature in certain bacteria that is gaining traction in organisms' battle to stay alive. Be assured that, impressive as these scientific sleuths and their methods may be, skirmishes do little to win wars. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta-lactamase">This</a> article gives excellent background information on Beta-lactamases, KPC, Amp-C, MDM-1, and other methods of antibiotic resistance developed by bacteria. Throw in viruses that are, by definition, no more than packages of genetic material (one cannot even truly say they are "alive", as we understand the meaning of the word) which are notorious for mutations, and multi-drug resistant and extremely drug-resistant strains of that age-old scourge, Tuberculosis (MDR-TB and XDR-TB), and we have in our midst bugs that now have the upper hand. Perhaps they always did. It is our folly to think that we could actually eradicate these life forms from our planet. They have been here much longer and have billions of years more experience at evolution than we. I personally see increasing resistance in the form of KPC, ESBL, Amp-C, MRSA, etc. each and every day in our humble lab. Smallpox? Yes, we have virtually wiped that virus off the face of the Earth, except for two small stockpiles reserved for research. Or so we are told. Polio? Yes, we are gaining ground, but it still ravages underdeveloped areas of the world. Even if we do completely kill these misery-causing organisms off, what will take their place? What are we creating with our chemicals, our genetic tinkering, our own yearning for a brave new world?</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-large;">KPC is just the beginning, folks. We may win skirmishes. We may even emerge victorious from a few battles here and there. But we will not win the war. We are outnumbered and outsmarted. Make no mistake. This is not our world to rule. It never has been.</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-9227692098045667932012-08-12T18:20:00.000-05:002012-08-12T18:20:36.621-05:00Strawberry Letter 23<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">This is just one of the coolest songs EVER. Can't get it out of my head. I don't think it's ever sounded so GOOD.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Or does everything just sound good when you're in love?</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q-ipH9Ws-zs" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Hello, My Love....</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-86503887500800070842012-08-09T00:44:00.000-05:002012-08-09T00:46:08.452-05:0017 Years Without You<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhmQH7RNh9tCd6oBSWi-yzk2nVruwfwVdEzTXreuiGPo9AC-g0ANSHRhWbZpSbyQIQlXjf9k9vs1lqwvWrXvoHh5TFBjAemwVNC90kRrqMBUx1-WfgXlp0UwoylAstywFscoDxaUX8j0/s1600/young_jerrygarcia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhmQH7RNh9tCd6oBSWi-yzk2nVruwfwVdEzTXreuiGPo9AC-g0ANSHRhWbZpSbyQIQlXjf9k9vs1lqwvWrXvoHh5TFBjAemwVNC90kRrqMBUx1-WfgXlp0UwoylAstywFscoDxaUX8j0/s400/young_jerrygarcia.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry Garcia, 08/01/42 ~ 08/09/95</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">And still the loss lingers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Rest in Peace, Jerry. We will forever be Grateful.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6y3CafoJ2mo" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rNxsL9G9r6g" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0877FWNLZ98" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MUgYOGX8XOM" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pafY6sZt0FE" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6m7aqU5DfvU" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YmxWrfwLPJs" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OY5pHkTqLHw" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l38YXrGJxx0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnTdSEjFBy5EM5UyxpwpZ2s-5d62y7TgTI5WLqItkGAbu93-0rf5pYQJYG3XMhuid1Z4kD5K7nItVzNJUJqqoktpIWNUvzzO9er1Cb35jjUWL0AabU39_Ii6VC7ZP_4AkmRfzFnL64bw/s1600/Jerry-Garcia-1-800x6001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnTdSEjFBy5EM5UyxpwpZ2s-5d62y7TgTI5WLqItkGAbu93-0rf5pYQJYG3XMhuid1Z4kD5K7nItVzNJUJqqoktpIWNUvzzO9er1Cb35jjUWL0AabU39_Ii6VC7ZP_4AkmRfzFnL64bw/s400/Jerry-Garcia-1-800x6001.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-1785833439542702702012-08-02T04:49:00.000-05:002012-08-02T04:54:48.908-05:00Get Down!<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Turn on that mirror ball, put on your high heeled sneakers and platform shoes and GET DOWN!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">You know you like it!</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-opY4qcidFk" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/slc11cS3ra0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nFvRvSxsW-I" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_Ee3C2m3OXE" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ligIq6o0rUU" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_JoZS6LgqYI" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4yiGi481w3k" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZSjn3CAC5zI" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<b allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" iframe="iframe" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RlJGrIyt-X8" width="640"></b>r />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wj23_nDFSfE" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RlJGrIyt-X8" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Bvn7XkC6P6g" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oG2ixYJ79iE" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C2q2bis6eLE" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JhzsScVjHf8" width="640"></iframe>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-30629682818477947452012-07-28T14:22:00.003-05:002012-07-28T14:22:52.625-05:00Eye of the Storm<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-yxiu1o63CA" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Loving the wild ride, Babe.</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-53127723244625769542012-07-26T13:38:00.000-05:002012-07-26T13:38:22.263-05:00Pumpkin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB47hKJjDBuckU-fMTCqHEfFQyvVxNzAXbsOAamS0PBiIKbMVryMigNr2y01Y0JhG-OtJ2UEkytlI26PiKQ7IvGxIJ09nzCPNBcyLRd3ZzkOlm4MZtLdM2_BAkJFcYZZqumtUub1mo6U/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOB47hKJjDBuckU-fMTCqHEfFQyvVxNzAXbsOAamS0PBiIKbMVryMigNr2y01Y0JhG-OtJ2UEkytlI26PiKQ7IvGxIJ09nzCPNBcyLRd3ZzkOlm4MZtLdM2_BAkJFcYZZqumtUub1mo6U/s400/IMG_0735.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Punky Boy soon after he joined our family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Finally, we have our sweet orange tabby boy, Pumpkin. Pumpkin, who I am sure is the brother to Lovie, is the easiest-going, most loving cat I've had in quite a while.
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo_pqMszo60bMeBRB_O0zIpsvMl-u0s4Ja-5qln4BuDXIto95aRIOWaVND3in8SfH8g5TxsjFbknm_rcpTNzEQ4gm13kbAliNDxizTvIAcD6uCbWLAnkmZcoi2RBDmpnKCm0jl0NofnU/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo_pqMszo60bMeBRB_O0zIpsvMl-u0s4Ja-5qln4BuDXIto95aRIOWaVND3in8SfH8g5TxsjFbknm_rcpTNzEQ4gm13kbAliNDxizTvIAcD6uCbWLAnkmZcoi2RBDmpnKCm0jl0NofnU/s400/IMG_0806.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin has a close bond with his sister, Lovie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Or does he have me? Such is the relationship with a feline.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFbJbLu15TQVSBDUqEZKy7M8HPQ55eTFC3Lw74ta1Zs77xT52Mfj_KM57J3qkji35c1bKvcpioVtQKHmlgJJRhjJHQuJoKJMts6QKyLix6X85SJHr4uK3GUqS-jpbwcxyFdlTcDeWT_Q/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFbJbLu15TQVSBDUqEZKy7M8HPQ55eTFC3Lw74ta1Zs77xT52Mfj_KM57J3qkji35c1bKvcpioVtQKHmlgJJRhjJHQuJoKJMts6QKyLix6X85SJHr4uK3GUqS-jpbwcxyFdlTcDeWT_Q/s400/IMG_1171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin knows that if he waits long enough, his humans will turn on the faucet for him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Pumpkin is exquisitely smart just like his sister, and has become a most handsome fellow to boot. The good news is both Lovie and Pumpkin have grown into their once-outsized ears. He can open doors by himself to let himself (and partners in crime) outside.
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVt5ghA4-2rbXdcmUy5FyZdUNb61U6Ouh6J0LQYQ4jY0kO2qmiQp40NE-8JpsR_ZPX6hZfYI_MXWoKzQkiEEPTIVkQYdFWUMD2hfqyyQUHDnB6d7GO8WUkABR7NOJvoapTgsSKCYFbTk/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVt5ghA4-2rbXdcmUy5FyZdUNb61U6Ouh6J0LQYQ4jY0kO2qmiQp40NE-8JpsR_ZPX6hZfYI_MXWoKzQkiEEPTIVkQYdFWUMD2hfqyyQUHDnB6d7GO8WUkABR7NOJvoapTgsSKCYFbTk/s400/IMG_1334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin opens the door so that he, Hamlet, and Lovie can join Romeo on the back porch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
He never misses a meal, or a treat, or a chance to be brushed. He is sweet and kind to all the other animals and I have never seen him get rough with any of his friends.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ1H6tHvygR79L9IRx8OEf77d3gRQZwGffNYJk9b3f-uBJLWyAWFM7oIc-9IqUxCK8Rpdxer7EiGxYG0OiwjSC8YMzv-r2RF3SnEPKMn7P3ANmCEB6Nsv5XCRSHlz2ubBr7qwL_QYOJY/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ1H6tHvygR79L9IRx8OEf77d3gRQZwGffNYJk9b3f-uBJLWyAWFM7oIc-9IqUxCK8Rpdxer7EiGxYG0OiwjSC8YMzv-r2RF3SnEPKMn7P3ANmCEB6Nsv5XCRSHlz2ubBr7qwL_QYOJY/s400/IMG_0953.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin with his friend, Juliet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Always gentle, our Plumpkin (no, that's not a typo; he's round like a pumpkin) is a charming little man. Also known as Pumpkin Pie, Punkin, Punky Boy, Angel Boy, and PumpkinMeister, he adores attention.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1ziERnYF6O1AcWBoSv2hQp-u8YTxq7vnDJ8k2D10AObJVyPKxKZBFCEMggl_cTnwmWERCnhrJ_1QYplSmuqbhlTTn3ODozhjgxTIYRFJ72FIv-CfbacRAm2wgnSrWnreZy_N7e7nNpY/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1ziERnYF6O1AcWBoSv2hQp-u8YTxq7vnDJ8k2D10AObJVyPKxKZBFCEMggl_cTnwmWERCnhrJ_1QYplSmuqbhlTTn3ODozhjgxTIYRFJ72FIv-CfbacRAm2wgnSrWnreZy_N7e7nNpY/s400/IMG_0779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin enjoys playing in mommy's sunflower display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you so much just look at him, he will begin purring and reach his paw out to touch you on the arm, just to let you know he loves you. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eJxPY1p7M45qhjO1WD7Qkf8sLxbCvHHB8m3PHHRPBSTbDN4t3keIc_fbegccfTZf3e31hbq9ZTaa5B7AtSl7QkFf-omE9nSc6ovWypNjWN2zFo11ttaGmxNcKfbL-xMVw5up8X5XIK8/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eJxPY1p7M45qhjO1WD7Qkf8sLxbCvHHB8m3PHHRPBSTbDN4t3keIc_fbegccfTZf3e31hbq9ZTaa5B7AtSl7QkFf-omE9nSc6ovWypNjWN2zFo11ttaGmxNcKfbL-xMVw5up8X5XIK8/s400/IMG_1084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazy day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Pumpkin loves to go outside to watch the birds and dragonflies fly around. He doesn't bother them too much, as he is a lover, not a fighter.
<br />
</span><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdioF9RJXpuhr81t7ZAAhHwqw5IAFA2jdQeDLh5cfr_wIocMnRUTtWkPKh635X6aKD1nRmzeAex4U8_yQa1j9RyebrlQo5KYK5JAYlKBMh9BsO4bAXhbHcJjarsFltNsAboksLhoOwX4/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdioF9RJXpuhr81t7ZAAhHwqw5IAFA2jdQeDLh5cfr_wIocMnRUTtWkPKh635X6aKD1nRmzeAex4U8_yQa1j9RyebrlQo5KYK5JAYlKBMh9BsO4bAXhbHcJjarsFltNsAboksLhoOwX4/s400/IMG_0747.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin loves his sister, Lovie.</td></tr>
<><div align="left">
</div>
</></tbody></table>
<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Once in a great while, though, he will bring mommy a "present", so proud of himself presenting his quarry. I could almost swear he smiles as he knows he makes his humans happy, offerings or no offerings. He asks for nothing in return except a nice brushing or a scratch behind the ears. Even an occasional treat is not taken for granted by Pumpkin.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjLSjpkfaQB-n-2saeToo20z7nul1Ussovis6tx24YhtuZBxzGEo05ByLKxVwXCHviLcwcKJ_TR-a7q5NnCOwYHq90UNQ_EQXz4OFsf15jJezVHSbqhljYEFGDwF3DBWeQNgy1ZUqJiI/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjLSjpkfaQB-n-2saeToo20z7nul1Ussovis6tx24YhtuZBxzGEo05ByLKxVwXCHviLcwcKJ_TR-a7q5NnCOwYHq90UNQ_EQXz4OFsf15jJezVHSbqhljYEFGDwF3DBWeQNgy1ZUqJiI/s400/IMG_1188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting patiently for Santa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">After all, he does have a figure to maintain!</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-39880093199850180032012-07-22T06:42:00.001-05:002012-07-22T06:56:21.708-05:00Lovie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g8oMdKKSfYT2GGZb3V92ZyNYBsoS9-y9hauR-AmlKcMVl_0iVv1aeB8iZUJPb94Ky1Ckcpe0DF1nd66KaeT3udrzOuckK9CvhoCXDV9IJqsr64B6OA1_N3A9O9-zSRlHRZ6m_2qrmHo/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g8oMdKKSfYT2GGZb3V92ZyNYBsoS9-y9hauR-AmlKcMVl_0iVv1aeB8iZUJPb94Ky1Ckcpe0DF1nd66KaeT3udrzOuckK9CvhoCXDV9IJqsr64B6OA1_N3A9O9-zSRlHRZ6m_2qrmHo/s400/IMG_1347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting after a game of fetch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">So now we come to one of the great loves of my life, my Lovie.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmIWYUt2di6H1E8ZcsoQNpEtX2nX6c37RlcbdfmWfniT0txEbcKQyHTBAKhIWrelWr0UC-ZKC7F96mAP2MSX8VOQ8Dbj6Fv2JkhLBm48w5xkq-FmdBKw4C2pxcfJ62u7VwyMl7hbD4-0/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmIWYUt2di6H1E8ZcsoQNpEtX2nX6c37RlcbdfmWfniT0txEbcKQyHTBAKhIWrelWr0UC-ZKC7F96mAP2MSX8VOQ8Dbj6Fv2JkhLBm48w5xkq-FmdBKw4C2pxcfJ62u7VwyMl7hbD4-0/s400/IMG_1260.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Love in her favorite place, atop mommy's library chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">I say "my" Lovie because I am lucky enough to have been chosen as her human. She won't relate to anyone else in the household, although dad was the first one to hear her cries. When she was underneath dad's abandoned trailer, he heard a small meow. He couldn't find anything, but suspected we had a cat there and told me about it so I went to investigate. I neither saw nor heard nothing at the time, so forgot the matter. A couple days later, he said he heard a cat again, so I went outside and heard it too. I sat there patiently, "talking" to the kitty I heard but had not yet seen. Then, slowly, a small kitten emerged, but would not get close to me. I didn't think it would be so tiny, as we usually get full-grown cats dumped at our place. So, I do the natural thing any mommy would do: offer food. The poor thing was starved but resisted me trying to pick her up. I stayed there most of the day trying to get her to come out, and she did, eventually, and that was the last day she spent outside as an orphan. By that night, she was sleeeping with me on the couch.
<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD0w-iax7YImMOOrU__WJeNNa2T4_fGrhjhKRoQiwJ62vVuVdi_rnSdpcs2nCXk8Ctzv2srW4hqyZO6omjYJ3NwzlazZKxRatt2z0WOy9FN2dIczzVzekA64AsQRP0N8qpcxRrP73m5Y/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD0w-iax7YImMOOrU__WJeNNa2T4_fGrhjhKRoQiwJ62vVuVdi_rnSdpcs2nCXk8Ctzv2srW4hqyZO6omjYJ3NwzlazZKxRatt2z0WOy9FN2dIczzVzekA64AsQRP0N8qpcxRrP73m5Y/s400/IMG_1078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Loviebug poses for mommy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She was at first so tiny I was afraid of rolling over on her and squashing the poor thing. Little did we know she was just one member of at least two litters at our place. She was found first simply because she was the loudest and the boldest. The rest, as they say, is history.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDo8qhQqM_YGhVMWolr2Vbuf78_cyGwx_EEeEvaNDkiMzDOIlf3Hw3Jel3vzSjgtvVBszt0edW3KUSFIP9JsZBoDAWpRC53rbGOsJmUQPk6uk3tebCHwvTzdZSUTqhIzO3Ak_pfHOSpc/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDo8qhQqM_YGhVMWolr2Vbuf78_cyGwx_EEeEvaNDkiMzDOIlf3Hw3Jel3vzSjgtvVBszt0edW3KUSFIP9JsZBoDAWpRC53rbGOsJmUQPk6uk3tebCHwvTzdZSUTqhIzO3Ak_pfHOSpc/s400/IMG_1341.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovie, always inquisitive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">My Lovie is now a VERY big, beautiful, active, affectionate, and so very smart grey tabby. She will catch and fetch toys for me, and she loves playtime.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsRxDV5B4m7hN2Cx60pTjyVxU_QE1_TAowDDsDdGJYt2LxITb6-qEuu7-e7Ix5UptSFzJ0AMgpuzU-VPh6Yk66GyED5kzXDYisfXrLnP5AQkQP21i61qBRNPQeayvuGOd_UxSCubxCFs/s1600/IMG_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsRxDV5B4m7hN2Cx60pTjyVxU_QE1_TAowDDsDdGJYt2LxITb6-qEuu7-e7Ix5UptSFzJ0AMgpuzU-VPh6Yk66GyED5kzXDYisfXrLnP5AQkQP21i61qBRNPQeayvuGOd_UxSCubxCFs/s400/IMG_1028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting patiently for mommy to come play.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">
She will call me for an "encore" if I leave too soon before she is finished playing. She loves to climb ladders and claim the top, and she loves nuzzling mommy's stinky feet.
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvBdQqpnwgsq6pbBPDMDxH2JdEcryd1CBTiohj83yFVhoGkd7m1jJ83dxswe-cEJJwXKhfcQWCZ_MtmB3sw1JBWkqsRXrYz6OHIdEjEbZhAdYw7rXlzkwfTw41EtPf8s2akWWhyX0cu8/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvBdQqpnwgsq6pbBPDMDxH2JdEcryd1CBTiohj83yFVhoGkd7m1jJ83dxswe-cEJJwXKhfcQWCZ_MtmB3sw1JBWkqsRXrYz6OHIdEjEbZhAdYw7rXlzkwfTw41EtPf8s2akWWhyX0cu8/s400/IMG_0966.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovie, queen of the mountain, showing Pumpkin and Romeo who's boss.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She has grown especially attached to my adult cat, C.C., as C.C. is probably the only mommy she really knows.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3NBmQRmOnUFz6tAKTHXcpGJ9Qe0tPYPmDYAOkZkagTHOqyOSrsqhVWaHYcJRzMB_J8OChShg-X__bSIudwcLhHoydBCmMdt3WowXE7iDYdpIC7NoegFi1VhyphenhyphenZ2-HDsUBwJpQOR3bnvM/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3NBmQRmOnUFz6tAKTHXcpGJ9Qe0tPYPmDYAOkZkagTHOqyOSrsqhVWaHYcJRzMB_J8OChShg-X__bSIudwcLhHoydBCmMdt3WowXE7iDYdpIC7NoegFi1VhyphenhyphenZ2-HDsUBwJpQOR3bnvM/s400/IMG_1187.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loviedove and her best friend, C.C.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lovie will follow C.C. and me anywhere we go, and she adores her catnip treats.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SUTmsMGWLg3YVWD6IKRNq-Bwa0WqEKdVP5Mf8G4ev7HqlmVstTGEVB2VA113ONYmX-t0dSEf1m4Z6Nrx1EshAyXlgw8tgzpy64hxJ9jn0HRbHV7G_QGL-e6ghmbK4M3RnuWZYSqMGTM/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SUTmsMGWLg3YVWD6IKRNq-Bwa0WqEKdVP5Mf8G4ev7HqlmVstTGEVB2VA113ONYmX-t0dSEf1m4Z6Nrx1EshAyXlgw8tgzpy64hxJ9jn0HRbHV7G_QGL-e6ghmbK4M3RnuWZYSqMGTM/s400/IMG_1012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovie with a favorite mousie toy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My Lovie, who I also call Loviebug, Loviedove, Love, Beautiful Girl, and Sweetie probably did more to rescue me than I did to rescue her. She has livened up our household with her smart, playful antics and her nearly 20-pound lovely frame. She and brother Pumpkin, to be spotlighted next, are roughly the same size, and are markedly intelligent felines.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6HjYMSSeVLPN50ouP0wYFDsd2rzxlmayvM93fFV_38UDC8UOjs0H-T2W0F9pLQ0nIr7nBW2smHGaR132dHCjQ27_RSkWdfotQRe_GIqU2ZMXszh3-si5UDBTXXOSTctYAQ1TMxglbZo/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6HjYMSSeVLPN50ouP0wYFDsd2rzxlmayvM93fFV_38UDC8UOjs0H-T2W0F9pLQ0nIr7nBW2smHGaR132dHCjQ27_RSkWdfotQRe_GIqU2ZMXszh3-si5UDBTXXOSTctYAQ1TMxglbZo/s400/IMG_0894.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Love's first Christmas. She loves climbing the Christmas tree!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">They sure know how to wrap a human around their fuzzy little paws. She and I have bonded in a most amazing way. I fall in love with this beauty more every day! Now excuse me while I go cater to my Love. She demands my attention!</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-6225415284327579152012-07-19T07:45:00.001-05:002012-07-19T08:08:51.238-05:00Hamlet<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmPFGakdmSpER7CQx2C9xFjosr9Ni1CRgBaVJrieRI5KW4y1ixHMXaLsmhmBl8eYqWdhHJWr-y8nlr_M1Ze3SqG0EoZgZpQ47ti_iQERNsHHz-bV57Mc7tKGe_TvIh41YURjTMJopaNs/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmPFGakdmSpER7CQx2C9xFjosr9Ni1CRgBaVJrieRI5KW4y1ixHMXaLsmhmBl8eYqWdhHJWr-y8nlr_M1Ze3SqG0EoZgZpQ47ti_iQERNsHHz-bV57Mc7tKGe_TvIh41YURjTMJopaNs/s400/IMG_1403.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamlet, he of the super-long legs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Have you ever seen a cat that is half-feline, half-jackrabbit, and all acrobat?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">You have now. Meet Hamlet, the biggest surprise to us from the original "gang" of kittens who found us a couple of years ago and decided, much to our fortune, to keep us.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuQC9gB5SQR7SeMB6jBqNUmzDrRN4QBXSp9rF8tNC-oB6G7uZAHeIsovi8jTIaTga2OffZqTfXRJvSV6a440Jgk2br6WxezuDfjr-524nII6-uPuOQBNsm4xED2zs2QXA7d_uUFx9ZDY/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuQC9gB5SQR7SeMB6jBqNUmzDrRN4QBXSp9rF8tNC-oB6G7uZAHeIsovi8jTIaTga2OffZqTfXRJvSV6a440Jgk2br6WxezuDfjr-524nII6-uPuOQBNsm4xED2zs2QXA7d_uUFx9ZDY/s400/IMG_0972.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slim Jim in his favorite chair, taking it easy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<s<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
</s<table><br />
<br />
<s<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
</s<table><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Hamlet was a wild one, hanging out in the garage with Romeo and Juliet, but refusing to be touched by humans. He would acknowledge your presence, and even walk up to you as if he wanted to touch you, but then he always backed off, and no amount of cajoling could get him to come forward for a petting.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf_sFGHQvCATNzWH0z1jdpD03esBQipk33l_px4AR4clTNoneSCw_UEWcjGvqMaiO9SAGoeoxsOawJUNA6fs0MamIfDsw0rmGLtbDRCHmf7RIMT6R_o7Hf2eM4QSrcu0ATmV71M7-lWI/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf_sFGHQvCATNzWH0z1jdpD03esBQipk33l_px4AR4clTNoneSCw_UEWcjGvqMaiO9SAGoeoxsOawJUNA6fs0MamIfDsw0rmGLtbDRCHmf7RIMT6R_o7Hf2eM4QSrcu0ATmV71M7-lWI/s400/IMG_1346.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammie with his best friend, Romeo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had to enact a devious plan to get him into a carrier for his neuter and shots, then when we got him home, he stayed in our game room to recover. Much to our surprise, he laid on the couch in that room and let us get close to feed him. Then, to our amazement, he let us pet him. It's as if he knew he was finally home and had humans that cared about him. I was certain that we had brought home the wrong cat, but, no, I could tell it was definitely our Hammie. Within a couple days, he had explored the house, declared it his territory, and was laying on the couch in the living room with us, flipping over to expose his belly for a rub.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvUG2KJQnaJgkjmgUeOiIWI3sb5FCwFHg_BgUixutQpA9tbYn4hrrUBSrj2KaCGt8B62VMWZJTve8uu4iUTezeu5UtDgf4FbMyRS8WzGN4qI5gRhDR8ZbBTQ3Ppf8A9Tl7rRZeyLwevI/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvUG2KJQnaJgkjmgUeOiIWI3sb5FCwFHg_BgUixutQpA9tbYn4hrrUBSrj2KaCGt8B62VMWZJTve8uu4iUTezeu5UtDgf4FbMyRS8WzGN4qI5gRhDR8ZbBTQ3Ppf8A9Tl7rRZeyLwevI/s400/IMG_1169.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting patiently for his daily belly rub.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
He would let us pet him, rub his tummy, pick him up and carry him. Who knew? We surely could never have guessed that this gentle, scared little soul would transform into a loving, playful cat who enjoys being around his people. He did a complete 180 in the span of a few days. Once he decided to trust us, he trusted us with his whole heart and knew we would take care of him.</span>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloNdINMRfdtQvYrMzl7tfJCce7S492Dy6dPS4zeVXeF8SY_KbDlLHXH4ian7drZ2V66avIRgls9Udrkfmtj-vh48Lm1VJdEiUpNwZMKw2LJgxW2-m9YztLbgZykfIMwrTcIWa6S-p4Dg/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloNdINMRfdtQvYrMzl7tfJCce7S492Dy6dPS4zeVXeF8SY_KbDlLHXH4ian7drZ2V66avIRgls9Udrkfmtj-vh48Lm1VJdEiUpNwZMKw2LJgxW2-m9YztLbgZykfIMwrTcIWa6S-p4Dg/s400/IMG_1340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Hamlet, posing for mommy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Now Hamlet, otherwise known as The Hamminator, Hambone, Hamhock, Slim Jim, Daddy Longlegs, Senor Hamburger, and Hammie, rules his world here. He has grown into an extra L-O-N-G, lean little man that is all muscle and curiosity. He can jump flat-footed from the floor to the top of my 8-foot tall bookshelves in the wink of an eye. He can turn flips mid-air in the pursuit of dragonflies and junebugs, getting enough power from those super-long jackrabbit legs of his to catch whatever he has his eye on. He can contort his slim body in myriad ways, with one half facing one direction and the other half going the other way. I don't know how he does it, other than believing that in one of his previous nine lives, he must have belonged to a circus, performing as an acrobat, contortionist, and clown.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x9gR4GhVkrgUviXA0jsoNZyF8gwl7kOmC5-nNAw3BXeedTPpEgH8qwIWm3GzoWkiFdDAYrUSZ8FUErTnL-Pglf6tbfVadAHpT9Od_yiH8wJTtdzkxflDHGUX8LaB17LpV5kTOzbRo7M/s1600/IMG_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x9gR4GhVkrgUviXA0jsoNZyF8gwl7kOmC5-nNAw3BXeedTPpEgH8qwIWm3GzoWkiFdDAYrUSZ8FUErTnL-Pglf6tbfVadAHpT9Od_yiH8wJTtdzkxflDHGUX8LaB17LpV5kTOzbRo7M/s400/IMG_1303.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting between adventures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then, in the next moment, he can come up to you for some petting, turn over onto his back for his daily belly rub (his favorite thing in the world) and go fast to sleep in your arms, still on his back. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Who would have ever guessed? Not in a million years would we have thought Hamlet would have been such a character, acrobat, sweetie, funny cat.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh67Zs7ystGmoSOY4xKl7eFDVUgPs-crTyIsYSjSXjQGG5TYtc2Abku5MFnasiHufPFiCYED2yfb7Bwso6N1iG6EESkuzLoIN7-sj4XpxXUR4l0cJHrHvF00GwxMEpcIWGxyoOy8BSnM/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh67Zs7ystGmoSOY4xKl7eFDVUgPs-crTyIsYSjSXjQGG5TYtc2Abku5MFnasiHufPFiCYED2yfb7Bwso6N1iG6EESkuzLoIN7-sj4XpxXUR4l0cJHrHvF00GwxMEpcIWGxyoOy8BSnM/s400/IMG_1086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy Long Legs, claiming the couch as his.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As I type right now, he is sitting in my lap, motor going full-blast, looking up at me, waiting patiently for his belly rub. I told him he's going to be famous, because I'm writing about him. He just looked to me as if to say, "I already am! I have my own admiring audience right here!"</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Yep, that's our Hamlet.</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-71359330605519420882012-07-14T19:15:00.002-05:002012-07-14T19:16:49.517-05:00Heart<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4LVk_0EhHYuML5RUuSVu4qAAUPyxxRWFl0punMIl6dM5nfPyYMtexZIkrvTZpgiohZL9mvkdwRIajoi406O43YMMKb9gzXwM0AeqEH-xkFL1Vod7WcSUlNsmANQrzbCyINJyFM_qsgg/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4LVk_0EhHYuML5RUuSVu4qAAUPyxxRWFl0punMIl6dM5nfPyYMtexZIkrvTZpgiohZL9mvkdwRIajoi406O43YMMKb9gzXwM0AeqEH-xkFL1Vod7WcSUlNsmANQrzbCyINJyFM_qsgg/s400/IMG_1290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing on her favorite couch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">So now we've come to another striped feline, this time it's our Heart. Heart is quite the independent cat, but don't let that fool you. She enjoys her humans, especially when newspapers, food, or catnip is involved.
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0ehvZBsgU_3U6kYPpJyc6mpbQybetIsFCDCqeLVQqLDisFF6aR2n7j7-OkW3keWAodaMYuFUFdAMPlseOjQ7M2H7Y4JQzMTEGXxHZ4TmNxHjx18lJXcQYXsrDhXi62qYXUYVWGAccQk/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0ehvZBsgU_3U6kYPpJyc6mpbQybetIsFCDCqeLVQqLDisFF6aR2n7j7-OkW3keWAodaMYuFUFdAMPlseOjQ7M2H7Y4JQzMTEGXxHZ4TmNxHjx18lJXcQYXsrDhXi62qYXUYVWGAccQk/s400/IMG_1428.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did somebody call me for dinner?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once wild as the March wind, she is now loving, playful, curious, and -oh yeah - still a little WILD!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ok-ztm-0A2ajqSyshQaXEbLiYksTDLXj70LYTDnUQC12Te-89XDbhdqaW5c2dhpYp7j5p-XwgrIcS0_ofYH51WDgPk0WG0uPtiTQvk7DJjEe0TEYsmlPB3CAlKWCWo2Js1mftbCiNyo/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ok-ztm-0A2ajqSyshQaXEbLiYksTDLXj70LYTDnUQC12Te-89XDbhdqaW5c2dhpYp7j5p-XwgrIcS0_ofYH51WDgPk0WG0uPtiTQvk7DJjEe0TEYsmlPB3CAlKWCWo2Js1mftbCiNyo/s400/IMG_1439.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart with her favorite scratching post.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Heart wants to be the center of attention, especially when her humans are reading a newspaper or book. She will hop up on the reading material, promptly plop her rear down, and refuse to budge.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1I4Th74xqJH9CPTsU8mIueNDd2ajbNntwq4ZUepBda8F7uGcm4UGRt8lxUCuebjcw4DVYpP3_OGQLbp209FyDGpIycnq4FOBn8WS_UI1lLZ-h6CyouGkJKcaeQrbfl8ZD3-KM1FiKmw/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1I4Th74xqJH9CPTsU8mIueNDd2ajbNntwq4ZUepBda8F7uGcm4UGRt8lxUCuebjcw4DVYpP3_OGQLbp209FyDGpIycnq4FOBn8WS_UI1lLZ-h6CyouGkJKcaeQrbfl8ZD3-KM1FiKmw/s400/IMG_1302.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for attention.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She thinks we ought to be paying attention to <em>her</em>, not some silly old paper. She simply doesn't tolerate receiving less than her share of attention.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcHw-pCeyxQmL6GVpovq_D7OaxrcbwVgD9y3OMMHWAmUrEKNndWUV3kfB8AXnarR1ShC2W93L1VsdiDDvsBRom89NBEul9qkiQovNdnQCa1yG9C75VVJbBWGvrRZM0m7TfjbjUHdxEXs/s1600/IMG_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcHw-pCeyxQmL6GVpovq_D7OaxrcbwVgD9y3OMMHWAmUrEKNndWUV3kfB8AXnarR1ShC2W93L1VsdiDDvsBRom89NBEul9qkiQovNdnQCa1yG9C75VVJbBWGvrRZM0m7TfjbjUHdxEXs/s400/IMG_1422.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting her claws ready for some spirited play!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spoiled beyond belief, she has wormed her way into <em>our</em> hearts.
Also known as Sweetheart, Braveheart, Brown Eyes (it's true, they are a lovely shade of brown, not green like her other siblings and friends), she loves to be held and cuddled. She has come a long way, as she once couldn't even be caught. Now she knows where home is and takes full advantage of it. And her scratching post. And her toys.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hmgw9tZkrPpxqsL_LokMkvwDkYBTlcdGRh7zxeQMyvmXkIj7Ko4UihVh9RPZkwEQQvA2M_TY8lR3eDcuDa5Ftu1-Vzzzlbl2Gek5c-_L2aGzr4_w7v4i-iaME3NqWcipe1CyOPcH55w/s1600/IMG_1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hmgw9tZkrPpxqsL_LokMkvwDkYBTlcdGRh7zxeQMyvmXkIj7Ko4UihVh9RPZkwEQQvA2M_TY8lR3eDcuDa5Ftu1-Vzzzlbl2Gek5c-_L2aGzr4_w7v4i-iaME3NqWcipe1CyOPcH55w/s400/IMG_1274.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart in one of her playful moods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">And her humans. Always showing off those beautiful, striking markings on her shiny coat.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyowCjLcJ6pm4r0muylJ4jp6_ad_4V8MNp7Hg_IiMVYhZmQpyb65CRbhOL8tBdQgCt_ekYvPgIfL4uD8RKpqdWIgy-b0VIVzjAyzfpbGUXMhiim0E9MJ-6Un_AWur6HChutBMJVe_hn4/s1600/IMG_1296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyowCjLcJ6pm4r0muylJ4jp6_ad_4V8MNp7Hg_IiMVYhZmQpyb65CRbhOL8tBdQgCt_ekYvPgIfL4uD8RKpqdWIgy-b0VIVzjAyzfpbGUXMhiim0E9MJ-6Un_AWur6HChutBMJVe_hn4/s400/IMG_1296.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a beautiful cat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">So glad our Heart has become a part of our family.It's hard to imagine our home without her and her brown eyes!</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6ayHvM3fA9w9KMaI2XLDr6HJCOepTflGqaEyRq_4SkIbpg1F_Q3FWPID2IXGeBWvuA2QctTRJOYedF9hk8f9PudichpLFjQE3iqKkzOPpmAm1PBiuvMJSgVBVGzcvDeTBm4QUv33Q8I/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6ayHvM3fA9w9KMaI2XLDr6HJCOepTflGqaEyRq_4SkIbpg1F_Q3FWPID2IXGeBWvuA2QctTRJOYedF9hk8f9PudichpLFjQE3iqKkzOPpmAm1PBiuvMJSgVBVGzcvDeTBm4QUv33Q8I/s400/IMG_0885.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart (left) with her late twin sister, Bindi (right).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130276836696015673.post-39599735964658767912012-07-11T17:41:00.004-05:002012-07-11T17:41:56.370-05:00Romeo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKpxA9yOpQZ3BmM3NLA4cMdVx5-Gic8wBuMM0pAy1-WiEw-TJwFimtj7MUcW4osNFS7oj5o9xc-EV6fv_POqnwcajQJGczF_lZ6cR1ZlJr5Ga1IK_DBZds6pmV7d9zZXOXS2Te355Cn8/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKpxA9yOpQZ3BmM3NLA4cMdVx5-Gic8wBuMM0pAy1-WiEw-TJwFimtj7MUcW4osNFS7oj5o9xc-EV6fv_POqnwcajQJGczF_lZ6cR1ZlJr5Ga1IK_DBZds6pmV7d9zZXOXS2Te355Cn8/s400/IMG_1232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A most charming little boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Stop! Thief! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Somewhere in this humble abode, there is a stash of goodies. Carmex tubes, electric toothbrush caps, bottle caps, assorted toys, pens and pencils. Don't most charming males have their secrets? I am Sugar Magnolia and my cat Romeo is a thief.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevK1U_4ziIdpXn1kcEhAq8BD30IgoqnZCIkUxWohMRqfIl6DIHyhHCobLRZHPxjJy1uBwQonR2-MM2CHTiQuPxlfb7HulapMjqhORAZyqcLq8HRHTGipVBnGR_nsCJDv0t2bKgEf-AjI/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevK1U_4ziIdpXn1kcEhAq8BD30IgoqnZCIkUxWohMRqfIl6DIHyhHCobLRZHPxjJy1uBwQonR2-MM2CHTiQuPxlfb7HulapMjqhORAZyqcLq8HRHTGipVBnGR_nsCJDv0t2bKgEf-AjI/s400/IMG_1372.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scoping out another object to swipe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">A sweet thief, mind you. This little black cat has his ways of gentle persuasion and distraction, all the while plotting his next trophy heist. Small in size, he uses his famous "head tilt" and "paw raise" to be noticed.
</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD8t3rUKknpMmZh5ioPNfqT_Xxcyk-pwTjJiTHaLG42VZekoJkcNd14EbIO_WiEGFvHLeSiTlr5zJiXh7jFPvzAC_w5ZAp96I4A6Z1j3WgqClKfBfFFTB9havm6q-pDiW_xAVdEpWGW8/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD8t3rUKknpMmZh5ioPNfqT_Xxcyk-pwTjJiTHaLG42VZekoJkcNd14EbIO_WiEGFvHLeSiTlr5zJiXh7jFPvzAC_w5ZAp96I4A6Z1j3WgqClKfBfFFTB9havm6q-pDiW_xAVdEpWGW8/s400/IMG_1375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous "paw raise" and beseeching look.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When he's sure he's charmed you enough, *SWIPE* there goes another treasure. He loves to steal little items, and I still don't know where he hides them. That will be his little secret. For now. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI71khJ2ejZUdMVa9Ao427sXkYc-vZLjn3CKUyGqsp9L2WFJ24sVT91yRSwQvtkh8rUG6FQkVOiMkRH1WqrhA7_Dz4GPDdNVV4c_4rVu0v97LXD7zhTue3UWOhQQvv0d0H06kG7sE9SU/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI71khJ2ejZUdMVa9Ao427sXkYc-vZLjn3CKUyGqsp9L2WFJ24sVT91yRSwQvtkh8rUG6FQkVOiMkRH1WqrhA7_Dz4GPDdNVV4c_4rVu0v97LXD7zhTue3UWOhQQvv0d0H06kG7sE9SU/s400/IMG_1182.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beguiling "head tilt".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Also known as Black Magic, Lover Boy, Midnight, Sambo, and Cat Burglar, Romeo - not much bigger than his petite Juliet - is so loving and so sweet that we don't mind the occasional missing item. He loves nothing more than a treat, a chin scratch, and a little attention from his humans.
</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-TUo2rJDetBgJlicFWtDL_GIRlFnjFGQgeBfsE8CasBZOATYZ_GwrlwrcghdG95F3H7Ufm_jkRLorDS-CMrcPiZA9gSdbpsoGnXOD61QkUxgKE25NQBKgbG37UaenDUjnLoaFzWdV_M/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-TUo2rJDetBgJlicFWtDL_GIRlFnjFGQgeBfsE8CasBZOATYZ_GwrlwrcghdG95F3H7Ufm_jkRLorDS-CMrcPiZA9gSdbpsoGnXOD61QkUxgKE25NQBKgbG37UaenDUjnLoaFzWdV_M/s400/IMG_1239.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping on his favorite chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He comes to visit me at my computer, and is never pushy or rude. He will ease up, always polite, and look at me to be sure he can ask to be petted, never wanting to disturb me. Sometimes he likes to be held and loved, but only when the mood strikes him. And only when he isn't busy looking around for things to steal. I've taken to hiding my Carmex tubes and writing pens. I have to - I have precious little left! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTXxPiAB-KqDgO-KRqCyJ2KX7ZT_rULNvJITeQq5Z8xyR_mg7rpD8Zzu76sm3sIOxpi8sVtYuxYKuAwH_nrYEAGz2wgcWk1bmE5x30IvlIwT5tQlN_NtJa1k5zLFF_es3q1hXbd1HwOo/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTXxPiAB-KqDgO-KRqCyJ2KX7ZT_rULNvJITeQq5Z8xyR_mg7rpD8Zzu76sm3sIOxpi8sVtYuxYKuAwH_nrYEAGz2wgcWk1bmE5x30IvlIwT5tQlN_NtJa1k5zLFF_es3q1hXbd1HwOo/s400/IMG_1247.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoops. Guess the flash woke him up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Romeo was the first one of the bunch to let me pick him up as a very small kitten. He never was skittish or feisty. He was always easy-going and very tame. Just as he did when he was a baby, he reaches his arms and paws upward when I move to pick him up, as if to say "Please pick me up and love me!" And he never bites, claws or scratches. He gets up on the bathroom basin and sweetly cocks his head until I turn on the water for him, charming me into submission every time. He is indeed a sweetie and a loving cat. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-3pHBZGIANqDZqyNX1ChmGAS6-3AmgHAPxp4r1FqqzTbXTe5_l6ZbTQf4BuuiDQmFChqmJQY-xlT6rgQvgpMeroqLRIZJwIUZcqlUQCFrNiBD54mnhwZddC-5TN6JsvzeEEsJxSl9mw/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-3pHBZGIANqDZqyNX1ChmGAS6-3AmgHAPxp4r1FqqzTbXTe5_l6ZbTQf4BuuiDQmFChqmJQY-xlT6rgQvgpMeroqLRIZJwIUZcqlUQCFrNiBD54mnhwZddC-5TN6JsvzeEEsJxSl9mw/s400/IMG_1234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romeo says his prayers before bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Just watch your stuff around him. When he works his magic and uses his considerable charms, you won't notice the suddenly disappearing objects!</span>Sugar Magnoliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17081429874378399282noreply@blogger.com0